‘ve always been skeptical of buying new beauty products online. Then, I stumbled upon Into The Gloss, Glossier, and their founder/CEO Emily Weiss on Instagram (all of which you should totally be following if you’re not already). She has been hailed as “the Beauty Guru for Millennials” by the New York Times. The brand’s light pink and white based packaging has become the ubiquitous ‘cool-girl’ staple.
The Glossier products are described as universally flattering and all encompassing. They are the anti-Kylie Jenner lip kit, MAC Cosmetics, contour tutorial look; each product is super lightweight with no tools needed. The perfect polished yet undone, low-key look. Their line of skincare products includes a cleanser, priming moisturizer, two masks, three serums, and a use anywhere ‘Balm Dotcom’ salve.
My home away from Penn happens to be a few blocks from their showroom, so my mom, my cousin and I decided to give it a try. When you order online, you receive Instagram worthy packaging, including a free poster, a sticker sheet, and a clear pink bubble-wrap ziplock makeup case. For those of you who are interested in the brand, but want some more info on the line before committing, have no fear. I’m here to walk you ~into the Glossier~.
Skincare first:
the Milky Jelly Cleanser ($18) claims to be the ‘ultimate daily face wash’ for its ability to remove stubborn makeup. Sadly, the performance just isn’t there for me. It is mild enough on my sensitive skin (prone to rosacea and dryness), but when it comes to really removing my long-wear makeup formulas, I’ll stick to Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser for only $1.50 more a bottle.
The Mega Greens Galaxy pack and Moisturizing Moon Mask ($40 for both). I love these. The bottles are gorgeous, and after a few uses so is my skin! The Mega Greens does make my face really red for about an hour after application, so I usually use it at night before bed and by the time I wake up my skin is bright and clear. I use the Moon Mask before a shower, and leave it on in the steam. I also use it on my boyfriend’s skin which can get super dry and rough and the mask softens it like a charm.
Confession time: I don’t actually own the serums. I did however interview my close friends who bought them: Super Bounce, Super Glow, and Super Pure ($65 for all three). Alex describes her skin type as very dry, especially in the winter and says the Super Bounce serum is great when it needs an extra boost. The Super Glow is packed with Vitamin C for brightening, and she says Super Pure is good to turn when she has been eating junk food or feels oily. Sylvia has more mixed reviews. Her skin is combination (oily in T zone, dry around cheeks) and she found Super Glow a little too watery/irritating. Super Pure is a little more viscous and works more effectively; finally, she said Super Bounce thick and very moisturizing.
I live for the Priming Moisturizer Rich ($35) face cream! It has the thick consistency and baby-powder smell of glamorous old lady dreams. It makes me feel like a granny putting on her night cream. It is white, velvety and truly an all-in-one miracle worker. I use it on my skin and my boyfriend’s all winter long to keep away any dryness or itchiness. Best of all, there is no filmy layer or thick mask feel left after application. I am ashamed to say I have, at the lowest point of my skin woes and insecurity, paid upwards of $300 a jar for Crème de La Mer in hope of a miracle, and can say with confidence that Glossier’s is just as hardworking when it comes to keeping skin hydrated and calm.
The Balm Dotcom ($12), is literally just that. You can use it anywhere that needs a little TLC (lips, brows, elbows, cuticles, split ends). I have the original – tastes like Vaseline, mint and rose – which I kind of love. I have one in my bag at all times; Balm Dotcom saves lives, people. Buy one now and thank me later.
As for the makeup:
My cousin swears by BoyBrow in Blonde ($16). It gives a nice hold without too much pigment, but fills in any gaps. I use the Perfecting Skin Tint ($26) in Light. Sheer does not even begin to describe this foundation. You almost don’t think it is going to work as you apply it – it goes on practically translucent. But as it dries it really does even out the skin tone and sits lightly on top of the skin. However, it is not for those who are trying to cover up major blemishes or dark circles. For that, there is the Stretch Concealer ($18). It spreads well, and has a natural finish – none of the telltale orange or matte qualities of traditional concealer.
Finally, there are the lipsticks: Generation G ($18). They are super build-able, easy to apply, and have a weightless feel – not too creamy, or dry, or filmy. They set into the lips like a lip tint. I have Cake (which is a slightly cooler tone than the website implies), and Zip, which is amazing; light enough to wear to class but bright enough with a few swipes to transition to the night out.
Overall, when it comes to Glossier the price is right, the products work wonders, and the packaging is totally Instagram or Snapchat worthy. Fear not the online order, and get clicking! There’s nothing wrong with a high quality, maintenance look.
Images courtesy of The Odyssey Online and Glossier.com